|
|
Fact
Sheets and Information Papers
Disposal of PCB Capacitors from Light
Ballasts January 2001 |
|
BACKGROUND: At one time, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used as insulators in electrical equipment such as capacitors, switches, and voltage regulators. Fluorescent light ballasts and high intensity discharge ballasts contain a small capacitor that may contain PCBs. Although there is only a small amount of PCBs in each light capacitor, there is reasonable concern associated with this issue considering that nearly 300 million PCB-containing capacitors are in service throughout the country. The reason that PCBs are potentially dangerous is that they accumulate in plants and animals, working their way up the food chain. Additionally, PCBs have been shown to cause cancer and reproductive defects in laboratory animals.
IDENTIFICATION OF PCB-CONTAINING CAPACITORS: The following guidelines should be used in identifying capacitors that contain PCBs:
* All capacitors manufactured through 1979 contain PCBs.
* Capacitors manufactured after 1979 that do not contain PCBs are labeled "NO PCBs".
* If a capacitor is not labeled "NO PCBs", it is assumed to contain PCBs.
REGULATORY GUIDANCE: There are several factors that are potentially applicable to the proper management of small PCB capacitors. These considerations are summarized below.
1. Toxic Substance Control Act:
TSCA does not regulate the disposal of non-leaking, intact capacitors that contain less than three pounds of PCB dielectric fluid. PCB lighting capacitors fall under this category, and therefore may technically be disposed of as general trash. When capacitors accumulate in large quantities, CHPPM recommends the voluntary collection and disposal of the capacitors as TSCA regulated PCBs.
2. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act:
Under CERCLA, PCBs are specifically listed as a hazardous substance. Waste generators must notify the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 when disposing of one pound or more of PCBs in a 24-hour period. Since each capacitor contains approximately 2 ounces of pure PCBs, the disposal of eight or more PCB capacitors in a 24-hour period would require notification. There are generally no initial penalties associated with reporting, however, the information is maintained in a database and generators may be held liable for future clean up at the site.
3. State Regulations: Many states have developed regulations governing PCBs that are more stringent than Federal regulations. For this reason, is necessary for generators to contact their state environmental agency before taking any action.
DISPOSAL OPTIONS:
1. Subtitle D Landfills: Many small capacitors are disposed of in this manner because of the relatively low cost; however, the PCBs are not eliminated from the environment.
2. High-Temperature Incineration (TSCA incinerator): This practice ensures permanent destruction of PCBs, but is more expensive.
3. PCB Removal/Recycling: This option involves the removal of the four-ounce capacitor and the potting material from the ballast. The remaining materials are recycled for scrap metal. Several recycling companies are listed below as a source of information. CHPPM does not screen any of the companies, nor can we confirm the methods they use in their recycling process.
ACTION OFFICER: Matt Walter, Hazardous and Medical Waste Branch, DSN 584-3651, or commercial 410-436-3651.
PCB BALLASTS RECYCLING COMPANIES
|
Eastern Env. Tech |
Saleesco USA |
|
S.D. Meyers |
Ensquare, Inc |
|
Env. Energy Tech. |
FulCircle Ballast Recyc. |
|
Transformer Service, Inc |
Global Recycling Tech. |
|
Alta Resource Serv. |
Lighting Resources |
|
Light Cycle, Inc. |
|